Animal Control
The Animal Control team responds to reports from the public, and undertakes proactive patrols in the community.
The aims of the service are:
- to reduce the risk to human health from domesticated and wild animals and/or the premises where they are kept;
- to prevent nuisance from pet animals or from the keeping or boarding of pet animals;
- to reduce the risk to animal health arising from commercial keeping of pet or similar non-livestock animals.
The following is a list of the legislation and who or what it applies to.
Pet Animals Act 1951
Legislation covering the sale of pet animals.
Premises selling animals must be licensed. They are inspected once per annum before a licence is issued and are periodically checked to ensure animal welfare, health and safety.
Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
Anyone wishing to keep animals listed on the schedule to this legislation must apply for a licence.
The purpose of the legislation is to ensure public safety and the welfare of the animal.
Particular attention would be paid to the accommodation in which the animals are to be kept, bearing in mind that certain species of animals, the size of small spiders up to the size of large mammals are listed under the Act.
Riding Establishments Act 1964 and 1970
Requires premises used as riding schools, etc to be licensed.
An annual inspection is undertaken by a veterinary surgeon in the company of an authorised council officer to ensure the welfare of the horses, that they are supplied with proper accommodation and pasture, and that the Health and Safety at Work (etc) Act 1974 is complied with.
The following areas are also covered:
- Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
- Breeding of Dogs Act 1973
- Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999
- Zoo Licensing Act 1981
Further information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Dog Fouling
- Fees and Charges
- DEFRA - Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Alternatively you can contact the Environmental Health and Licencing team:
Environmental Health & Licensing
Stevenage Borough Council
Daneshill House
Danestrete
Stevenage
Herts, SG1 1HN
Email: envhealth@stevenage.gov.uk
Tel: (01438) 242908/242916
Fax: (01438) 242142